Islamic Ruling on Sweepstakes
Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. As you know this is one of the most important advertising tools used to attract people to web sites, shopping centers or for that matter for any business. Some ask you to just sign up, some ask you to buy one to get enrolled, and some ask you to fill in a particular pattern to be eligible for a big prize in a draw. What is the ruling on that? Please explain in detail with regard to gambling and on what grounds it is, if it is, different from gambling. Also in some case you just get a meal or a soft drink free if you win. Jazakum Allah khayran.